724.3415/3094: Telegram
The Secretary General of the League of Nations (Drummond) to the Chairman of the Commission of Neutrals (White)
[Received May 12.]
Council has received from Bolivian Government following telegram:
“(Translation)1 By declaring war on Bolivia at the very moment when new peace movements were being initiated as is shown by the recent activities of the Commission of Neutrals in Washington and of the neighboring countries whom Bolivia has requested to renew their good offices, Paraguay puts herself outside of the Pact2 and incurs the sanctions established by article 16 thereof. Bolivia denounces Paraguay for having first of all let loose the conflict and for obstructing now the means of peaceful solution. (End translation).”
Council Committee replied as follows:
“President Council acknowledges receipt your telegram which being communicated Council which meet within next days examine whole situation. In order that Council be fully informed Council Committee wishes know whether Bolivian Government ready accept arbitral decision both as to determination of questions to be arbitrated and as to substance of such questions the arbitral procedure to be determined by Council League Nations. Committee would be grateful for definite rapid reply this question. Paraguay already declared readiness accept arbitration both points and Committee asking Paraguayan Government for confirmation its previous attitude this respect. On receipt replies two Governments Committee will be able make immediate proposals to Council on the dispute. Drummond.”
Similar telegram mutatis mutandis has been addressed Paraguay. Committee is confident that Council can count on firm support Committee of Neutrals in any proposals which Council may adopt with view restoration and maintenance peace.